Things that Increase Your Sunburn Risk
By Sara Butler
You know the value of applying sunscreen correctly and regularly! It’s the key to avoiding sunburn since basking in the rays of the summer sunshine can be very dangerous to the health of your skin as well as overall health. But you may not be aware that other things can increase your risk of sunburn when you’re outside – even after you’ve applied sunblock. Here are a few things you will want to avoid in order to prevent sunburn.
Citrus
If you’re planning some fruity tropical drinks for your backyard barbecue, you may want to remember to wash your hands well. Getting citrus juice on your skin and then going out into the sun can cause a burn called a phytophotodermatitis – a fancy way to say that the fruit juice combined with the sun can lead to a rash, blisters, and even second-degree burns.
Even a small amount of citrus juice can cause this reaction in the sun, so be careful when using them outside. Wear gloves when touching them and make sure you’re in the shade while handling them. Afterward, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
Perfume
Certain kinds of perfume can have ingredients that cause your skin to be more prone to burning. Oil of bergamot is one particularly notorious ingredient that can cause blistering when applied to the skin and then exposed to the sun.
The good news is that finding a perfume or cologne with this ingredient is rare these days since fragrance companies have become aware of this danger. But it’s still an issue that can pop up. Essential oils such as lavender and rosemary can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so you have to be aware of what is in your favorite fragrance before wearing it to the beach.
Dehydration
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it’s got a pretty important job – to protect you. When your skin gets inflamed, irritated, and burned in the sun then it can lead to loss of water. When you have a really severe burn it can cause your whole body to become dehydrated and disrupt the balance of electrolytes in your system. Help your skin to heal itself by making sure you stay hydrated after being in the sun or if you have a burn.
Now you’re prepared to go out and face the sunny days of summer – just remember to protect your skin and your health along the way!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.
